At Consultport, Consultant Success Managers play a key role in building and maintaining relationships with top-tier consultants and ensuring they get the best opportunities from the platform. The role requires a mix of business development, account management, and strategic thinking skills to drive consultant engagement and success.
Delaine joined the Consultant Success team in Consultport in September 2022 in South Africa’s office. In this interview, she shares insights into her journey, the challenges and rewards of her role, and the impact she has made.
Can you share your background and how you came across Consultport?
Sure! My background is a mix of logistics, financial analysis, and entrepreneurship. I hold a Postgraduate Degree in Development Finance & Investments from UCT GSB and an undergraduate degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Stellenbosch University. My education gave me a strong quantitative background in socio-economics, risk management, and development economics.
My career has been shaped by experiences in consulting and logistics, which have strengthened my entrepreneurial mindset, attention to quality, and ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously. I’ve built relationships with executives, partners, Fortune 500 companies, and policymakers, ensuring effective collaboration and project success.
What motivated you to join Consultport, and how did you first learn about the opportunity?
I discovered Consultport through LinkedIn, and I was immediately intrigued because of its dynamic and forward-thinking approach. After researching the company, found that its mission and values resonated with my career aspirations. The chance to gain international exposure and apply my skills in a fast-paced environment made joining Consultport an easy decision!
What are your key responsibilities, and what does a typical day look like?
My job includes working with consultants and making sure they have a smooth experience on our platform. I focus on bringing in top-tier consultants, helping them through the onboarding process, and ensuring they find projects that match their expertise. Here’s what my day usually includes:
- Consultant outreach: Finding and connecting with experienced consultants across Europe, the US, the UK, and the Middle East.
- Onboarding & Support: Helping consultants get started on the platform and guiding them through the process.
- Matching consultants with clients: Working closely with the business development team to match the right experts with the right projects.
- Keeping track of everything: Using our CRM system to manage consultant relationships and track their progress.
- Training new team members: Helping new hires get up to speed on consultant success management.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your work?
The exciting part? The people! I get to interact with highly skilled consultants and top executives daily. Working closely with talented consultants and seeing them thrive in their projects is incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoy the fast-paced nature of the role, which keeps me constantly learning and adapting.
The challenges? Managing expectations. Not every consultant gets a project immediately, and sometimes there’s a mismatch between what they want and what’s available. It’s my job to keep them engaged and help them navigate the process.
A great moment for me was receiving direct feedback from a senior MBB consultant who appreciated the speed and clarity of our onboarding process. Knowing that my work helps top-tier consultants find meaningful projects is always gratifying!
How does the South Africa office contribute to Consultport’s global mission?
The South Africa team plays a key role in expanding Consultport’s global network. We bring in top experts from around the world and help ensure they have the best experience. Plus, working in such a diverse environment is amazing—so many perspectives and ideas come together every day!
What skills are important to succeed in this role?
To succeed as a Consultant Success Manager, you need a mix of strategic thinking, relationship management, and technical skills. Some key skills include:
- Business development: Understanding market trends and consultant needs to build a strong network.
- Customer success management: Maintaining long-term relationships and ensuring consultant satisfaction.
- Global market expertise: Knowing the UK, European, and US consulting landscapes.
- CRM and data management: Using platforms like Pipedrive to track interactions and optimize workflows.
- Leadership and team collaboration: Working across teams to improve consultant engagement and processes.
Since joining Consultport, I’ve grown in so many ways. I’ve learned how to manage complex consultant relationships, gained experience with international markets, and sharpened my negotiation skills. It’s been a great learning journey!
What advice would you give to someone considering a similar role?
Go for it! If you enjoy working with smart people from different horizons, solving problems, and being part of a fast-paced environment, you’ll love it here. Be proactive, take initiative, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Consultport is a place where you can make a real impact. The team is supportive, the work is exciting, and you get to connect with incredible professionals from around the world. If you’re looking for a challenge and a chance to grow, this is the place to be!
